Brian Ruan
Pronouns: he, him
Research Mentor(s): Jane Huggins
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation / Medicine
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Film
Session: Session 1 – 10am – 10:50am
Room: Vandenberg
Authors: Brian Ruan, Jane Huggins
Presenter: 1
Abstract
According to the American Speech-Learning-Hearing Association (2013), more than 2 million Americans require the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to participate in routine activities. The University of Michigan Direct Brain Interface Laboratory is interested in delivering an efficient and consumer-friendly brain-computer interface (BCI) based on electroencephalogram (EEG) technology. The commercialization of the product is dependent on the effective communication of instructions to caregivers and end-users, so we elected to create an instructional video and graphical assent as our delivery method. The video describes the function of the BCI, the procedure required for calibration, and the goal of the study. The graphical assent is a friendly, comprehensible delivery system of background information and instructions suitable for a younger research participant. We also derived a communications system from the graphical assent form, where participants can communicate requests or concerns, which is important in addressing the research goals of greater accessibility. While both items have not been distributed to participants yet, we hypothesize that they will become more knowledgeable about BCI, what is expected of them during the experiment, and be more inclined to participate. References: Beukelman, D. & Mirenda, P. (2013). Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Supporting Children & Adults with Complex Communication Needs 4th Edition. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing.
Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary
